What is electrical isolation? Electrical isolation is used to separate drive and driven components to prevent extraneous electrical currents from being passed between them. Specifying the wrong coupling or not understanding how a specific coupling fails can lead to electrical currents inadvertently being passed between components. You see electrical isolation in mostly encoder and instrumentation applications where your getting feedback off of the drive system to an encoder. Any stray electrical current in an all metal coupling could stray out of the drive system, the motor side and throw the readings off, on an encoder. For example on a meter, some type of instrumentation. This is typically where, at least in our applications, where we see the need for electrical isolation.
Jaw couplings have some level of electrical isolation when installed properly. Oldham type couplings, can also be used as a possibility. Disc type couplings or double disc type couplings with a nonmetallic center assembly to isolate the coupling hubs from one to another, these are just some of the options. Electrical isolation is an important component in your application process.
Ruland
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